Question

Which one of the following Acts of British India strengthened the Viceroy’s authority over his executive council by substituting 'portfolio' or 'departmental' system for corporate functioning?
1. Indian Council Act, 1861
2. Government of India Act, 1858
3. Indian Council Act, 1892
4. Indian Council Act, 1909

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Indian Council Act, 1861

The correct answer is Indian Council Act, 1861.

• Indian Council Act, 1861:
  • ​Lord Canning, who was the Governor-General and Viceroy at the time, introduced the portfolio system. In this system, each member was assigned a portfolio of a particular department. Hence, option 1 is correct.
  • For the executive functions of the Council, a fifth member was added. Now there were five members for home, military, law, revenue and finance. (A sixth member for public works was added in 1874.)
  • For legislative purposes, the Governor-General’s Council was enlarged. Now, there were to be between 6 and 12 additional members (nominated by the Governor-General).
  • Lord Canning nominated three Indians to the Council in 1862 namely, the Raja of Benares, the Maharaja of Patiala and Sir Dinkar Rao.
  • Any bill related to public revenue or debt, military, religion or foreign affairs could not be passed without the Governor-General’s assent.
  • The Viceroy had the power to overrule the council if necessary.
  • The Governor-General also had the power to promulgate ordinances without the council’s concurrence during emergencies.
  • The Secretary of State for India in Britain could also dissolve any act passed by the Governor-General’s Council.